Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core and Xiaomi Redmi A1 are two contenders vying for the title of best budget phone. But which one truly delivers the best experience for the price? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 edges out the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Redmi A1 offers a smoother experience and faster charging, making it the slightly better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 06 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH |
| Price | £ 74.99 | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 0.30 W/kg (head) | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.85 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Reliable brand
- Decent build quality
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower charging
- Basic camera performance
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- More efficient chipset
- Faster charging (10W)
- Slightly better performance
- Modern design
- MIUI can be bloated
- Basic camera performance
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature basic LCD displays, typically around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The A03 Core might have a slightly better panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is basic. Expect single rear cameras, likely around 8-13MP. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The Redmi A1 might offer slightly better image processing due to Xiaomi's software optimization.
Performance
Here's where the Redmi A1 takes a lead. The MediaTek Helio A22, despite being a quad-core, is built on a more efficient 12nm process compared to the A03 Core's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). This translates to better performance and less thermal throttling during everyday tasks. The A03 Core's octa-core setup doesn't necessarily mean faster speeds due to the less efficient chipset.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Redmi A1's 10W wired charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the A03 Core's likely slower charging speed (often 5W or less).
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for users prioritizing a familiar Samsung interface and basic functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is a better fit for those seeking slightly better performance and a more modern design, even on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1 generally offers better performance due to its more efficient chipset and optimized software.
❓ Does either phone support 4G LTE?
Yes, both the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core and the Xiaomi Redmi A1 support 4G LTE connectivity.
❓ What is the storage capacity of these phones?
Both phones typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
